The Blubber

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, nearly half of Gen Z job seekers believe their college degrees have already been rendered irrelevant by tools like ChatGPT — and many are questioning whether higher education was worth the investment at all.

According to a new report from Indeed, 49% of Gen Z respondents said the rise of generative AI has devalued their college education in the eyes of employers. For them, it feels like a waste of time and money.

In contrast, only about a third of millennials share that sentiment, and just 20% of baby boomers expressed similar doubts, according to findings highlighted by CIO Dive.

As companies rapidly adopt AI — automating everything from resume screening to workflow processes — younger workers, especially recent graduates, are feeling the pressure. Many are finding that AI is disrupting the very fields they trained for, faster than they can build relevant experience.

Indeed’s survey, conducted by Harris Poll and based on 772 U.S. workers and job seekers with at least an associate degree, underscores a generational shift in attitudes toward education and employment. Gen Z workers are far more likely than older cohorts to feel that AI has made their academic qualifications obsolete.

Adding to the anxiety, job postings are increasingly dropping four-year degree requirements. With this shift, nearly half of Gen Z now say college wasn’t a worthwhile investment.

The influence of AI is being felt at every level of the workforce — altering job responsibilities, salary expectations, and even hiring decisions. "Every job currently posted on Indeed’s job board will likely experience some level of exposure to generative AI and the changes it represents," said Linsey Fagan, Indeed’s Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, in a statement to CIO Dive.

Today’s employers aren’t just looking for degrees — they want candidates who can navigate a rapidly evolving AI-driven environment. "To thrive in an AI-powered workplace, employees at every level need a foundational understanding of how AI is used within their organization," Fagan added. “Leaders must evaluate their teams, address individual needs, and support continuous learning.”

The message is clear: as AI rewrites the rules of work, Gen Z and others entering the labor force must pivot quickly — or risk being left behind.